Bullying in the classroom

Q. My daughter has just started Year 8. The girls in her Girls’ secondary school classroom have all bonded securely and feel strong enough to start teasing the new (male) Science teacher. They plan innocent pranks before every lesson (nobody answers questions, annoying noises are made during lessons, class explanations are systematically interrupted…) Most of the girls go along with the leading pack fearful that they will be isolated if they oppose them. What do you suggest is the appropriate course of action for her and for us as parents?

A. I recommend that you contact your daughter’s Head of Year or Form Tutor and tell them what is happening. It sounds as though these girls have found a chink in their science teacher’s armour. He needs some support and advice from senior managers on how to deal with and improve this situation. If other girls are joining in because they’re afraid of being isolated then this is a case of bullying – these girls are bullying their teacher. Meanwhile reassure your daughter that she was being very responsible when she told you of her concerns and tell her that she is brave not to collude with the bullies. It might be worth pointing out that their understanding and learning of science will be suffering. Hopefully some of the other girls will realise that their behaviour is unkind and will join with your daughter.